Tropical Storm Bertha threatens Gulf Coast with heavy rain and flooding
The National Hurricane Center reports that Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on July 19 and is moving slowly northwest at 3–5 mph. Maximum sustained winds are estimated between 60 mph (95 km/h) and 85 km/h, with gusts up to 100 km/h. The storm is expected to track along the northern Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rainfall of 2–4 inches—potentially up to 8 inches in isolated pockets—and storm‑surge levels of 1–4 ft from the Florida Panhandle through Louisiana and Mississippi.
Tropical‑storm watches and warnings are in effect from the Florida‑Alabama border to the Jefferson‑Plaquemines line in Louisiana, along with a storm‑surge watch for the same stretch. Coastal flooding, flash flooding in urban areas, and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially in north‑central Florida and the Louisiana coastline. The system is forecast to weaken to a tropical depression by mid‑week and may dissipate before reaching Texas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also notes a below‑normal Atlantic hurricane season this year owing to El Niño conditions.
Mexico’s meteorological service confirms that Bertha poses no direct threat to Mexican territory, keeping the focus of alerts on the United States Gulf states.